[Extract]

I have the pleasure to inform you that the Raleigh has at last dropped down the River with about 150 men, and I think in a fair way of having her Number completed in a short time, tho' I fear she will not be so well manned as I could wish, owing to the Spirit of Privatiering which still pre­vails & has carried off most of the Seamen. She has not more than 20 seamen besides the officers, who, fortunately, are all seamen. The Ranger is getting ready with all possible dispatch. Capt Jones has a strong inclination to cruize across the Atlantick & I must confess I think very favourable of his plan, especially if a Frigate is, or may be procured for him in France, in that case an enterprize may be formed that will draw the attention of the Enemy in some measure, from the American Coast, to Protect their own. Another Reason that may be offered in favor of the Ranger going to Europe, is that she will be very sparingly fitted out. The Extravagant Prices of every Kind of Store, wo'd be a sufficient reason for fitting her out as Sparingly as possible, but I am apprehensive many necessary Articles are not to be had at any Rate. But least a Frigate cannot be procured for Capt Jones in France would it not be a good Scheme to send a Frigate or two from hence. They might be ordered to cruize on the Coast of Europe, till the latter end of Novr, then return home with as many Stores as they can conveniently bring for the Ships that are now building, or convoy any Ships that are ordered, with stores, from thence. If this plan or something like it is not adopted, I know not how the Navy will be supplied next year. Should it be thot proper to send a Frigate in company with the Ranger, I think no Ship wou'd be more proper than the Raleigh, as the two Captains are very well agreed and both of them well acquainted with the British Coast. These two ships will be an even match for any single Frigate, and should they be so fortunate as to take one of the Enemy Ships of war, I am satisfied they will have prudence enough to take care ofher.

Before this reaches you, You will have heard of the Capture & recapture of the Fox. I hear several of her officers are just arrived here, in their way to Boston, they were landed at some Eastern Port from the Boston. Its Probable the Hancock is taken as the Rainbow of 44 Guns was in chase of her when the Boston parted from her and its said come up with her fast. I think Manly and McNeil are not altogether blameless for continuing to cruize a month with their Prize after weakening their Ships so much as they must have done by Maning her. What Capt McNeil has to say as an excuse for leaving the Hancock when a ship of superior force was in chase of her I know not, but I suppose these matters will be inquired into.